On the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, the Vodafone Foundation is launching www.hidigital.ro, a free educational platform dedicated to people aged 65 and over, offering seniors access to practical, easy-to-follow lessons designed to help them use technology with greater confidence, independence and safety. The resources are also useful for families, volunteers, librarians, social workers and organizations supporting older people in developing their digital skills.
The platform brings the Hi Digital program online, expanding on the face-to-face workshops previously delivered through libraries and day centers and making its resources accessible to seniors across the country. Older people who are unable to attend courses organized in libraries or day centers can now access practical and interactive educational materials at any time, presented in clear and accessible language.
“Through Hi Digital, we want technology to become a real support in the life of every senior, rather than a barrier. We want older people to enter the world of technology with confidence, courage and the joy of discovering that it is never too late to learn something new. The new platform gives them the opportunity to learn step by step, at their own pace, how to stay connected with loved ones, access useful services and navigate the online world safely. Beyond digital skills, we are talking about greater independence, confidence and participation in community life. We believe that every senior should have the opportunity to discover the possibilities of the digital world,” said Angela Galeța, Director of the Vodafone Foundation Romania.
The content is organized into seven main modules: digital devices and the internet; using a smartphone; connecting with others; entertainment and online shopping; hobbies and travel; identifying online scams and fraud; and online banking. The lessons include step-by-step explanations, tutorials and practical exercises, allowing each user to learn at their own pace, pause a course and resume it later from where they left off. The content will be continuously updated with new lessons, resources and features tailored to users’ needs.
In addition to the online courses, the platform provides information about Hi Digital face-to-face workshops held in libraries and day centers, where seniors can receive support and socialize.
Hi Digital is a free, non-formal learning program dedicated to people aged 65 and over, supporting seniors in integrating technology into their everyday lives and becoming more independent. To date, more than 12,000 seniors have developed their digital skills through Hi Digital workshops held in libraries and day centers. The results demonstrate the program’s tangible impact: 94% of participants say they use their smartphones with greater confidence, while 86% communicate more frequently with their loved ones. In Romania, the initiative is supported by a network of 25 partner libraries. The Hi Digital program is currently also available in England, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
